Coach Reed leads Caravel to D2 football playoffs

In his first season as head coach of the Caravel Academy Buccaneers, head coach John Reed has achieved the type of success it takes other coaches years to accomplish: an undefeated,10-0, regular season. The team was victorious in its first DIAA tournament game last weekend, defeating St. Elizabeth's 53-21. Next up, the team f...

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By Joe Backerjoe.backer@doverpost.com

Middletown Transcript

By Joe Backerjoe.backer@doverpost.com

Posted Nov. 20, 2012 at 9:46 AM
Updated Nov 20, 2012 at 9:51 AM

By Joe Backerjoe.backer@doverpost.com

Posted Nov. 20, 2012 at 9:46 AM
Updated Nov 20, 2012 at 9:51 AM

In his first season as head coach of the Caravel Academy Buccaneers, head coach John Reed has achieved the type of success it takes other coaches years to accomplish: an undefeated,10-0, regular season. The team was victorious in its first DIAA tournament game last weekend, defeating St. Elizabeth's 53-21. Next up, the team faces Indian River in the semi-final round at home Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

A native of Middletown, Reed gave all of the credit for the team's success this season to his players and his coaching staff.

"All of our players and all of the coaches have put a lot of time and effort into this season. My coaches have been able to put the players in the right positions in each game for us to be successful," he said.

Reed is in his first year as head coach of the Caravel varsity program. Prior, to this year, he ran the Middle School football team for two years, and his roots go even deeper with the Academy. He is a 1990 graduate of the Bear-area school and played on the 1980 state championship team. "I'm very familiar with this community, and I feel I have a good connection with the kids and I'm able to tell them my story, and I have a lot of passion for Caravel Academy and our football program," he said. "At the end of the day, it's not about me at all, it's about our dedicated players and coaching staff and the entire Caravel community."

This year's offense has featured a balanced attack behind the fine work of junior quarterback Derrick Groomes, the running of sophomore Darnell Savage and the receiving tandem of senior George Murray and junior Aaron Hudson.

"We are fortunate to have multiple weapons, and our offense line has come together and everyone has executed very well this season. Our linemen don't get enough credit, but much of our success is due to the work of those guys up front," said Reed. The team is averaging about 40 points peer game.

The defense has also done a great job, giving up only 53 points during the regular season, or an average of less than six points per game, very good at any level. The team also recorded four shut outs on the year.

"Again, we are very balanced on the defensive side of the ball, so you could say we are very stingy but not giving up very many points," said Reed.

Coach Reed said he expects a very tough game against Indian River this weekend. "We have a great deal of respect for I.R. and their players and coaches, so it should be a great high school football game."